Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest in the world and is a popular tourist destination and stopover. If you ever have to wait for a flight here, it will certainly help to know all the exciting things to do at Heathrow Airport! Use your time wisely as you shop, eat, relax and enjoy the many facilities.

London’s Heathrow Airport is divided into four sprawling terminals connected by trains, making it easy to navigate between Terminal 2 (Queen’s Terminal), Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.

Things to do at Heathrow Airport: Quick guide for a layover

Treat yourself to duty-free shopping and more

Named the second best airport in the world for shopping by Skytrax in 2024, Heathrow offers plenty of options for all your needs. Indulge in world-class shopping at the duty-free shops in the terminals, which offer everything from souvenirs to makeup, alcohol, chocolate and more. For those seeking high-end fashion, Heathrow has an impressive collection of luxury brands, including Fendi, Valentino, Tiffany & Co, Saint Laurent, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Hermes, to name a few.

Browse through the extensive product range and pre-book products for collection on the official shopping website. For an even more personalized shopping experience, you can even take advantage of the free personal shopper in Terminals 2, 3 and 5. This service must be booked 48 hours in advance.

Things to do at Heathrow: Relax in one of the many airport lounges

Heathrow Airport’s four terminals are home to numerous airport lounges offering a wide range of leisure activities, from dining to relaxing, taking a quick shower or even a nap.

Plaza Premium: Terminals 2, 4 and 5

• Maximum stay three hours.
• Children allowed.
• Large selection of fresh cold and hot dishes as well as pre-packaged meals.
• Unlimited WiFi and charging options.
• The lounges in Terminals 2 and 5 also have private relaxation rooms.
• Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Free entry for DragonPass, HSBC EveryMile Card and more; prices from 40 GBP per person (approx. 397 THB).

Club Aspire: Terminals 3 and 5

• Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Unlimited WiFi and charging options.
• Quiet areas and business districts.
• Shower access for 20 GBP (approx. 198 THB).
• Digital reading materials are available.
• Free light meals and soft drinks.
• Champagne, prosecco and cocktails are available at an additional cost.
• Panoramic view of the runway.
• Maximum stay three hours.
• Children allowed.
• Free entry for Priority Pass, American Express, HDFC Bank Diners Club Black, HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege and more; prices from £39.99 per person (approximately THB397).

No. 1 Lounges: Terminal 3

• Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Unlimited WiFi and charging options.
• Free light meals and soft drinks.
• Maximum stay three hours.
• Children allowed.
• Hot and cold drinks are available as well as a well-stocked bar.
• Quiet areas and business districts.
• Panoramic view of the runway.
• Access to over 7,000 digital newspapers and magazines.
• Movies and major sports matches are available.
• Entry 6 GBP (59 THB) for Priority Pass, Lounge Key or Dragon Pass; prices from 34 GBP per person (approximately 338 THB).

Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium Group: Terminal 4

• Free selection of house beer and wine
  and non-alcoholic beverages.
• A wide selection of dishes and a kosher menu.
• Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Unlimited WiFi and charging options.
• Free entry for American Express, Priority Pass and more, prices from 30 GBP per person (approx. 298 THB).

What to do at Heathrow Airport? Check in at one of the hotels

There are three hotels at London Heathrow Airport: Aerotel in Terminal 3, Hilton in Terminal 4 and Sofitel in Terminal 5.

• Aerotel: Enjoy flexible bookings at Aerotel and stay as many hours as you want. There is also a library lounge.
• Hilton: Choose from Hilton guest rooms, suites and executive rooms. Take advantage of the fitness center and business centers.
• Sofitel: Stay in Sofitel’s classic rooms or suites. Spend the day at the spa, swimming pool and gym.

Dine in the best restaurants and cafes

There are a number of restaurants across the four terminals offering passengers international cuisine. Below you will find the restaurants, cafes, bars and coffee shops at Heathrow Airport.

Terminal 2

• Bars: Big Smoke, London’s Pride by Fullers, The Queen’s Arms and The Vinery.
• Restaurants and cafes: Heston’s The Perfectionists’ Cafe, Jones the Grocer, Leon, Shan Shui, Wondertree and YO!
• Cafes: Caffè Nero, Pret A Manger and Starbucks.

Terminal 3

• Bars: The Evergreen and the Oceanic.
• Restaurants and cafes: Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, Spuntino, The Curator, Wagamama and YO!
• Cafes: Black Sheep Coffee, Caffè Nero, Joe’s Coffee House and Pret A Manger.

Terminal4

• Bars: Co-Pilots Bar and Kitchen, Star Light and The Prince of Wales.
• Restaurants and cafes: Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar and The Commission.
• Cafes: Caffè Nero, Costa and Pret A Manger.

Terminal5

• Bars: Fortnum & Mason Bar, Pilots, The Crown Rivers Wetherspoon, The Globe and Vagabond.
• Restaurants and cafes: Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, Giraffe, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, itsu and Wagamama.
• Cafes: Caffè Nero, Costa, Pret A Manger and Starbucks.

Admire the art collections

The airport is adorned with an exquisite art collection that draws travelers’ attention with its unique design and bright colors. One of the fun things to do at Heathrow Airport is to find these Insta-worthy portraits and go “click, click”!

Terminal 5 is home to the High-Performance Art Gallery at Sofitel, which hosts exhibitions of modern art. The airport has also recreated world-famous works of art to enhance its beauty. You’ll find Colette Miller’s iconic ‘Wings’ from Los Angeles in Terminal 3, Rogue One’s iconic ‘Floating Taxi’ from Glasgow in Terminal 5, Alice Pasquini’s ‘Above the Lines’ from Rome in Terminal 2 and Odeith’s ‘Anamorphic Frog’ from Lisbon recreated in Terminal 4.

Get your hair cut in Terminal 5

Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar is a men’s salon located on Level 0 of Terminal 5 Arrivals that offers last-minute grooming services to travelers. You can choose from a wet shave, beard treatments or haircuts.

Travel on the subway for free

Experience the world-famous underground without leaving the airport! The terminals are connected to the London Underground, Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line, and trains run between the four terminals.

To travel on the London Underground, you will need an Oyster card (London Public Transport Card) or other contactless card. For the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line, pick up a free interterminal ticket at the station.

Shop the best travel experiences here

All currency conversions were made at the time of writing.

(Image credit: Alexandre Rotenberg/Shutterstock)

Related: London is calling! Your perfect 10-day itinerary to explore the British capital

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The information in this article is correct as of the date of publication.
All currency conversions were made at the time of writing.
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